World Vision initiatives improve livelihoods of farmers in Tripura

The development initiatives of World Vision in Tripura has created opportunities for farmers to improve their livelihoods.

Hawaibari village is a home to over 150 families belonging to a tribal community in Tripura.

In 2000, World Vision's North Tripura Area Development Programme initiated a programme to improve the livelihood of the people.

Farmers were trained on cultivating lemon, rubber, banana and pineapple in collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Department. They were also trained on the techniques of pisciculture.

Prajamanik Kuki is one of the many beneficiaries who have increased their income through the acquired skill.

"I could send my two children to a boarding school and live in a better house" he says.

Prajamanik was a farmer. With the small returns from his farm, he struggled to support his family of his wife and three children.

He tried new techniques to improve the returns on his farming and create a sustainable income to support his family.

Through the training received from World Vision, Prajamanik learnt the techniques in farming and cultivated new crops. He cultivated 2 acres of wasteland with Elichi lemon saplings (Elichi lemon is a variety that has better value in the market), with support from the Christian development organisation.

His hard work paid off and the return was encouraging. He extended his plantation by buying land from the profit every year. Today, he has a lemon plantation, along with a rubber plantation and pisciculture. "The dealer comes to my farm, plucks and buys the lemon." he adds.

In course of time, he also acquired the skill on grafting and has trained workers in his farm. His wife monitors the workers in their farm.

"I supplied sapling to government Department, NGOs and private organizations, which is a good source of income and at the same time has generated employment for others".

Prajamanik is now a well-recognized trainer on both lemon and rubber plantation. His skilled service is often used by World vision and Government Department. He constantly motivates other farmers and encourages them to cultivate new crops.

"To me World Vision is a real blessing" said Prajamanik.

He is a trusted community leader, planner and role model. He was nominated for President, Village Development committee by the community. He has a good network with the Government departments and ensures that his people have access to the benefit schemes of the government.

Today, almost all the families in Hawaibari are engaged in lemon plantation and the village is known for its production on Elichi lemon all over the state of Tripura.